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Monday, December 14, 2009

TERESA SETTLE NORRIS
Tennessee News Express Writer
Members of Erin First Assembly of God took a secular topic—the commercialism of Christmas—and added some religious overtones with their recent rendition of the dramatical musical entitled “The Christmas Post.”
Based on illustrations by Norman Rockwell, the play was set in the 1940's, and the costumes were exquisite. The acting was also polished.
The story revolves around several characters whose lives collide on Christmas eve, with lasting effects. Alice Garfield, played by Sarah Winegardner, is the protagonist just trying to earn extra money to buy her two children Christmas presents. Her daughter Katie, played by Camey Deason, has also taken an extra job (in secret), posing as a boy herself to sell newspapers in order to get her mother a special Christmas present.
Hattie McGee, very ably played by Ingrid Buttermore, is the mysterious, enigmatic lady who sells papers, but has the magical ability to “freeze” the action of the charaters long enough to give the audience valuable information about what is going on.
One big setting for the play is Herzog's Department Store. Jacob Winegardner does an outstanding job as Elliott Herzog, Jr. Several other actors stood out with great performances, too.
Dara Smith, who played Dixie Plunkett, sure belted out some great sound and displayed some fancy footwork as her character encourages the protagonist. Sean Settle, who played Maxwell Q. Seldon, played a character who undergoes a change for the better and has an emotional scene with what appeared to be real tears.
Johnathan Miller, always a nice guy preacher, probably didn't even have to get into character to play Bro. Sam Gillespie, while there was a humorous Irish police officer played by Jared Spicer.
For a nostagic look at life in the 40's, or just to see a Christmas story with a lots of twists and a happy ending, watch “The Christmas Post” when it airs on Channel 12!